Vetcetera Pet Healthcare Centre

09/04/2026

September in Schuylkill County means cooler mornings, falling leaves—and a few health shifts worth knowing about.

What we watch for as seasons change:

• Ticks remain active through the first hard frost—don't stop prevention in September
• Acorns and certain mushrooms become accessible as leaves drop. Both can be toxic to dogs.
• Cooler temps can mask dehydration. Pets drink less when it's not hot, but still need consistent water intake.
• Arthritis flares. Joint stiffness often worsens as temperatures drop, especially in senior pets.
• Rodenticides become more common as mice seek warmth indoors. Keep these away from pets entirely.

Fall is a beautiful time to be outside with your pet. Just know what to watch for.

If anything seems off as the season shifts, we're here.

09/04/2026

As a reminder: We will be closed Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day.

09/04/2026

We have no internet, no phones and limited access to medical records.

09/04/2026

"Dr. Steve and staff are very friendly,caring, and knowledgable. They are outstanding with handling your fur babies no matter how difficult they may be. Staff is very helpful and address problems that may occur as soon as possible. Will continue to take my fur babies there.... Vetcetera is the Best!!" says Jamie on Google

★★★★★ Dr. Steve and staff are very friendly,caring, and knowledgable. They are outstanding with handling your fur babies no matter how difficult they may be. Staff is very helpful and address problems that may occur as soon as possible. Will continue to take my fur babies there.... Vetcete...

09/01/2026

Labor Day weekend is one last summer hurrah—and one more opportunity for pets to get into trouble.

What we see every year after holiday weekends:

🚫 Pancreatitis from fatty cookout foods (even a small amount of grease can trigger it)
🚫 Corn cob obstructions—one of the most common holiday surgeries we perform
🚫 Pets lost during travel or unfamiliar environments
🚫 Alcohol ingestion (more common than people think)

✔ Keep pets in a quiet space if gatherings get loud
✔ Make sure ID tags and microchips are current before any travel
✔ Stick to their regular diet—no matter how much they beg

If your pet gets into something they shouldn't, call us before you wait and see. Early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.

Enjoy the long weekend safely. 🇺🇸

09/01/2026

"So much good to say! The Google reviews led me to Dr. Steve and his staff, and I’m so glad they did. Everyone was wonderful, and Pam was absolutely fantastic with Grace.

I was especially impressed by the resources and referrals they provided for Grace’s situation. Most veterinary offices simply don’t go to the lengths this office did. They were genuinely honest about the procedure my 3-year-old fur baby needs—which.." says Gina on Google

★★★★★ So much good to say! The Google reviews led me to Dr. Steve and his staff, and I’m so glad they did. Everyone was wonderful, and Pam was absolutely fantastic with Grace. I was especially impressed by the resources and referrals they provided for Grace’s situation. Most veterinary...

08/28/2026

"Personalized care" gets used a lot. Here's what it actually means at Vetcetera.

It means your Great Dane and your neighbor's Chihuahua don't get the same spay/neuter recommendation—because the research on timing differs significantly by size and breed.

It means we don't automatically vaccinate every pet for every disease every year. We look at your pet's lifestyle, exposure risk, and history.

It means when we recommend a diet change, it's based on your pet's bloodwork and body condition—not what's trending.

It means Dr. Gloates remembers that your cat gets anxious at the clinic and adjusts the exam accordingly.

One-size-fits-all medicine is easier. It's just not better.

We've built this practice around knowing your pet well enough to make decisions that actually fit them. That's the difference.

08/27/2026

It is just Dr Steve and a technician here today. Please be patient with us. Wait times may be longer. Phone calls will be answered when we are available.

08/25/2026

Spring gets all the attention for allergies, but fall is just as problematic for many pets in Pennsylvania.

Ragweed, mold spores, and decaying leaves are major environmental triggers from August through October.

What fall allergies look like in pets:
• Increased paw licking and chewing
• Recurring ear infections (often allergy-driven)
• Red, irritated skin—especially belly, armpits, and groin
• Watery eyes or facial rubbing

If your pet had skin or ear issues this spring and summer, fall is likely to bring more of the same—unless we address the underlying allergy.

We don't just treat the flare-up. We work to identify triggers and build a management plan that reduces how often it happens.

Don't wait until it's bad. Early intervention makes a real difference.

08/25/2026

"Love, love , LOVE the staff and the service! The care they give is outstanding! ❤️" says Robyn on Google

★★★★★ Love, love , LOVE the staff and the service! The care they give is outstanding! ❤️